Novels, Stories, Sketches and Poems (Volume 12) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1908. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE OLD SOUTH IN the selection of a theme for this occasion, I have, carious to relate, been somewhat embarrassed. Not that good subjects were not manifold, and material plentiful; but for me, on this occasion, when I am to address this audience, in this presence, there could be but one subject--the best. I deem myself fortunate that I am permitted to address you on this spot; for this University, whose friend was George Washington and whose establisher was Robert E. Lee, impresses me as the spot on earth to which my discourse is most appropriate. Broad enough to realize the magnificent ideal of its first benefactor as a university where the youth of this whole country may meet and acquire the grand idea of this American Union, it is yet so distinctly free from the materialistic tendencies which of late are assailing kindred institutions and in> . sidiously threatening even the existence of the Union itself, that it may be justly regarded as the citadel of that conservatism which, mated with immortal devotion to duty, may "be termed the cardinal doctrine of the Southern civilization. Something more than twenty years ago there fell upon the South a blow for which there is no parallel among the casualties which may happen to an individual, and which has rarely in history befallen nations. Under the euphemism of reconstruction an attempt was made after the war to destroy the South. She was dismembered, disfranchised, denationalized. The States which composed her were turned by her conquerors into military districts, and their governments were subverted to military tribunals. Virginia, that had given Washington, Jefferson, Henry, Nelson, the Lees, Madison, Marshall, and a host of others who had made the nation, became "District No. 1." The South was beli...